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Dec 31

CinnaZing from SpecialTeas

Chai Tea,Flavored Tea,Herbal Tisanes,SpecialTeas,Tea Review 11:00 pm | No Comments

CinnaZing from SpecialTeasCinnaZing is right!  This tisane certainly does have some ZING to it!

What I like best about this spice melangé is that I can steep and steep and steep it, and it doesn’t get bitter.  The flavor just intensifies!

I steeped this cup for about 12 minutes.  The result is just delightful.  The combination of spices is a zesty one, but I also like how the low notes of the cacao kernels can be tasted – it’s a light flavor (and I do wish it were stronger) but, it adds a delightful dimension to the cup.

The same is true for the apple bits – the flavor is delicate but it’s there and it is delightful.  And even though there is a faint apple note to this cup, I certainly wouldn’t suggest that this is apple cider-like (although these would make good mulling spices to steep in a cup of hot apple juice to make a spicy cider).

A delicious balance of flavor that leans strongly toward the cinnamon … but  then, it IS called CinnaZing so that is to be expected.  The notes of licorice are a nice taste to this, and as it cools, I am noticing that the savory chocolate notes are starting to pop.  Overall, it is a pleasing spiced cup that is caffeine free so it is enjoyable any time of day.

SpecialTeas describes this blend as

The aroma of cinnamon will fill your house with its comforting embrace when you infuse a pot of CinnaZing. This naturally caffeine-free spice tea features a sweet cinnamon taste with zesty notes and is great as a hot or iced latte. CinnaZing has been formulated for the cinnamon lover who prefers to add milk or cream to their teas.

Ingredients: Apple bits, cardamom, ginger, orange peels, blackberry leaves, cloves, cinnamon, carob bits, cacao kernels, licorice, star anise, chicory root, pepper, cinnamon oil

Naturally Caffeine-free.

Sadly, it appears that this tisane is no longer available on the SpecialTeas website.  This is really a delicious blend that is perfect for this time of year.  It warms me from the inside out.  It just makes me happy to sip on something so delicious and warming … so COZY!  It’s delicious!

Happy 2011 from The Tea Review Blog!



liber-teas
liber-teas
http://hungryinportland.com


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Dec 31

Organic Bold Leaf Pu-erh from Mark T. Wendell

Mark T. Wendell,Pu-Erh,Tea Review,Unflavored Tea 4:00 pm | No Comments

Organic Bold Leaf Pu-erh from Mark T. WendellThis Pu-erh surprised me!  Usually, the first thing I notice about a Pu-erh is the strong earthy aroma which is generally present in the dry leaf as well as the brewed liquor.  But this dry leaf does not possess a strong earthiness, although when brewed, the liquor does take on a damp, earthy scent.  Even so, it is not nearly as strong a scent as I have come to expect with a Shou Pu-erh. Since it is usually this earthy quality that I find off-putting about Pu-erh, this was certainly a nice surprise, indeed.

This Pu-erh is a full-flavored Pu-erh, although I’m enjoying its somewhat lighter character vs. the rather heavy presence of other Shou Pu-erh teas I’ve experienced.  While I typically have found most Pu-erh to be very smooth and slightly sweet, this one is much sweeter.  It is also quite smooth, although, it doesn’t seem to load down the palate with its strong essence.

The flavor of this cup is less earthy than the scent, but there is an earthy background note.  There is also a very interesting wood tone to this tea that is almost like a damp wood.  Overall, a very enjoyable cup of Pu-erh!

Mark T. Wendell describes this Pu-erh as

Our newest offering is an organically grown, full leaf version of Pu-erh. The dry leaf of this selection is dark and rich in appearance. Upon brewing, you will notice the unique damp, earthy scent characteristic of a fine black Pu-erh. Our Organic Bold Leaf Pu-erh has a smooth, deeply fermented flavor that puts this selection in a class all its own.

As most of you know by now, I have had my ups and downs when it comes to Pu-erh.  Fortunately, my most recent experiences with Pu-erh tea have been positive ones, and this one is no exception.  The flavor is smooth with no trace of bitterness whatsoever.  It is a lovely “cozy-time” tea – meaning, it is one that is quite nice to curl up to and simply enjoy a moment or two of peace.  And during the holiday hustle and bustle, that moment or two are very rewarding, indeed!



liber-teas
liber-teas
http://hungryinportland.com


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Dec 31

Darjeeling Castleton from Georgia Tea Company

Black Tea,Darjeeling,Georgia Tea Company,Tea Review,Unflavored Tea 8:00 am | No Comments

Darjeeling Castleton from Georgia Tea CompanyAh … Darjeeling!

Every time I start to fix myself a cup of Darjeeling, the thought crosses my mind that it’s been too long since my last cup of Darjeeling.  The thing about most Darjeeling teas is that they usually are really memorable teas.  Most of the Darjeeling teas that I’ve tried have been black Darjeeling, and they are so different from other black teas.  They’ve a lighter body with a crisp flavor.  They remind me a bit of a dry white wine.

Darjeeling Castleton from Georgia Tea Company is an excellent Darjeeling.  The flavor is sweet with honey-esque tones but without the heaviness that often accompanies a honey-like sweetness in a tea.  There is also a lovely fruit tone to this tea that is enhanced by the sweet essence.  There is no tartness or bitterness to this cup, although there is a drying astringency which is typical of a good Darjeeling.

One thing that makes this tea a little different to me is that I don’t get as much of that musky note that I often experience with Darjeeling.  This is neither bad nor good, it’s just different.  In place of that musky flavor I get a lighter, fruitier flavor which makes for a very pleasant cuppa!

Georgia Tea Company describes this Darjeeling as

An estate tea from Darjeeling, India.

This tea is one that I find I enjoy most when it has cooled slightly.  Not cold, but also not fresh-from-the-teapot hot either.  When the temperature has dropped a little in the cup, I think that the flavors really express themselves in a colorful, delicious way.

A truly memorable Darjeeling!



liber-teas
liber-teas
http://hungryinportland.com


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Dec 30

Bolivian Black Tea from Praise Tea

Black Tea,Praise Tea,Tea Review,Unflavored Tea 11:00 pm | No Comments

Bolivian Black Tea from Praise TeaI have only tried fewer than a handful of Bolivian black teas, but, the few that I have tried have turned me into a Bolivian black tea fan!  I absolutely adore them!

The flavor of this organic Bolivian black tea is rich and smooth, with sweet and savory qualities to it that make my palate so happy that it brings a smile to my face when I sip it.

The leaves are large and twisted, with a deep, matte color to them that is somewhere between dark, chocolate brown and black.  They brew an extraordinarily dark colored liquid that is pleasantly fragrant with notes of cocoa and earth.

The flavor is so smooth and brisk.  I like the word that Praise Tea uses to describe this tea:  robusto!  Yes, it certainly IS robust, with enough gusto to get one revved up and going for the day.  Who needs energy drinks pumped full of artificial flavorings and sugar when you can have something as delicious and sugar-free as this?  This tea is sure to energize and revive!

This tea also has such an appealing complexity to it.  So many layers of flavor!  There is a deep, rich flavor of cocoa that is not so much sweet as it is savory.  There is also a somewhat earthy quality to this tea, and a subtle hint of spice.  But what is most appealing to me (and my sweet tooth) is the sweet, underlying tone of caramel to this tea.  It arrives at the palate almost instantly upon taking a sip, and lingers well into the aftertaste.  So nice!

Praise Tea describes this tea as

Robusto! Good looks, impeccable taste, enduring aroma & a style all its own. Be amongst the first to try this fine organic Bolivian offering. Hailing from pristine family owned gardens on the high slopes of the Yungas just hours north of La Paz, where the Andes meet the Amazon basin, this tea is certain to gather momentum & garner fans far & wide. The proof is in the sipping. Delectable both hot and cold. Try some with brown crystal sugar and indulge your taste buds.

I’ve tried several teas from Praise Tea now, and I’ve enjoyed each and every one of them, but this just may be my favorite!  So smooth, rich and delicious!  This tea is definitely deserving of praise!



liber-teas
liber-teas
http://hungryinportland.com


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Dec 30

Bencheley Chocolate Mint from First Colony

Black Tea,First Colony,Flavored Tea,Tea Review 4:00 pm | No Comments

Bencheley Chocolate Mint from First ColonyOne of my favorite of the Girl Scout cookies are Thin Mints.  Mostly because that’s what my mom loved when I was growing up.  She also was a die hard chocolate mint ice cream fan.  Frankly, as I’ve grown up, I have strayed from the mint chocolaty goodness, not because I dislike it, but because there are so many other flavors from which to choose.

However, this Bencheley tea was a special gift from my grandmother this Christmas, and when I opened the can, I was taken back to my childhood trips to Baskin Robbins with my mom.  The aroma is intense and very chocolate mint.  Tonight when going through all the various teas I got as gifts this Christmas, I had to go with this one first.  It just smells so perfectly of my mom’s favorite flavor that I overlooked the caffeine in it and called it a special Christmas night cap. Mmmm night cap.

The ingredients are black tea with natural and artificial flavorings.  What that means, I’m not so sure.  I really wish there were more details on the label!!

The first thing I noticed when I brewed the tea is the intense color– a dark chocolate (imagine!) brown.  It was such a beautiful color that I almost didn’t want to add sugar and cream.  Though I did go with those because nothing makes a special treat like a little turbinado sugar and thick cream.  I’m pleased I did, because those brought out the flavor instead of covering it.

While drinking it, I noticed that the scent is not as intense once brewed as it was when I took the bag out of the tin.  Which is good, because I was concerned that maybe this tea would be a little overpowering.  Much to my pleasure, it was a perfect roll over my tongue from black tea to mint to chocolate.  It went perfectly with my indulgent tobacco pleasure as well.  I felt like even though I was blessed this year with so many things (mostly tea), I could still find a way to do something little for myself that filled me with so much pleasure.  Truly, this was a lovely treat.

Remember to share your experience of the tea with the world as if they were sharing the tea with you!

First Colony describes this tea as:

Refreshing mint and a hint of chocolate make this delicious tea one of kind!

Interestingly enough, one of the only locations that actually had this tea in stock online was through the manufacturer directly.  And the price of this tea was an unbelievable $3 a can.  How is that even possible?  This was a cup of delight!  An additional awesome part is that the tea bag was made without staples, so I was able to compost the whole bag, string, and tag.  I love it when this happens.



Miss Ash
Miss Ash
http://www.perilouslyprecocious.com


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Dec 30

Coconut Black Tea from Arbor Teas

Arbor Teas,Black Tea,Flavored Tea,Tea Review 8:00 am | No Comments

Coconut Black Tea from Arbor TeasI love coconut flavored teas.  Some of them tend to get a little on the “heavy” side, though, where the coconut flavoring is so strong that it not only overwhelms the tea base but it also leaves a thick coating of coconut oil in the mouth. While I do like a light “slickness” from the coconut, I don’t like it when it becomes so overpowering that I feel like I need to use a washcloth over my palate to remove the coconut residue.

This tea is not like that.  Not at all.  In fact, I would say that this is one of the best coconut black teas I’ve yet to taste – if not the best.

While the flavor is strong, it remains on the lighter side.  The strongest flavor comes from the black tea itself, but I wouldn’t even consider the black tea to be a ‘heavy’ black tea.  It is brisk and delicious.  Although the tea doesn’t taste like a Darjeeling, it reminds me a bit of a Darjeeling in that it has that same light, crisp kind of presence that I often associate with Darjeeling.

The coconut tastes rich and creamy.  It has a soft, smooth kind of taste to it, and it does have that light slickness that I mentioned earlier which further enhances the soft, creamy character of the coconut.

Arbor Teas describes this blend as

This organic, Fair Trade Certified infusion combines North Indian black tea with tropical coconut, producing a soft and rich cup. This blend was re-vamped in Fall of 2008 to maximize its rich coconut essence, so prepare to luxuriate! Like all of our flavored blends, this Coconut Black Tea has only the highest quality teas, essential oils and botanical ingredients, insuring an excellent cup every time!

Ingredients: organic Indian black tea, organic shredded coconut, and natural coconut and vanilla flavors

This is a truly delicious coconut tea that I would recommend to all the coconut fans out there.  It tastes great hot but I also love the flavor of this as it cools.  It has a nice sweetness to it and in my opinion does not require any additional sweetener, so I would recommend tasting before you sweeten. I also like that this is organic and fair trade.  It’s nice when I can feel good about enjoying something that tastes so good!



liber-teas
liber-teas
http://hungryinportland.com


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Dec 25

Christmas Cookie from Compass Teas

Black Tea,Compass Teas,Flavored Tea,Tea Review 8:00 am | No Comments

Christmas Cookie from Compass TeasJust the name of this tea makes me smile!

This is a delicious blend of black tea, almonds and cinnamon.  I don’t know whether it actually reminds me of “Christmas Cookies” because Christmas Cookies to me means peanut butter blossoms – but, it definitely has a pleasant flavor that I’m really enjoying.

The black tea base is a smooth tasting tea with an mellow, even flavor.  I suspect it is a Ceylon although the description provided by the company does not specify.  It has a mild, somewhat drying astringency.  It is a pleasant base that doesn’t infringe upon the flavors.

The almond flavor is the most prominent taste here, and it is a sweet, nutty flavor.  The cinnamon accents the almond flavor well.  It is not a strong cinnamon presence, but, I feel that if it were stronger, it might overwhelm the more delicate notes of the almond and as it is, the balance is working quite well.

I am not getting a lot of “cookie” or pastry-type taste here, but I can appreciate the direction in which this tea takes.  An Assam tea might have been a good choice as a base here, or perhaps a blend with Assam, as it might have lent a more bake-y kind of taste and toothsome presence to the cup, but then again, the Assam’s aggressive nature might have overpowered the cup completely.  Overall, I’d say this is a very tasty tea.

Compass Teas describes this blend as

What Holiday is complete without the smell of baking cookies?  And now you can enjoy it any time without all the extra work (or extra calories!)

This tea has a autumn/winter-y kind of appeal with the toasty taste of the almonds and the warmth of the cinnamon, and because of that, it is a tea that I think is best when served hot.  For a tasty treat, try adding a little bit of brown sugar in place of your regular sweetener, as the molasses in the brown sugar gives this a more baked cookie kind of flavor.  A splash of milk and you have milk and cookies!

This year, I think I’ll leave a pot of this tea out for Santa instead of a plate of cookies!

Merry Christmas from the Tea Review Blog



liber-teas
liber-teas
http://hungryinportland.com


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